COMESA and ACCORD Strengthen Partnership to Tackle Africa’s Peace and Security Challenges
High-Level Consultations Focus on Regional Stability and Development
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the African Center for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) convened a pivotal two-day consultative meeting in Durban, South Africa, from July 10-11, 2025. The discussions aimed at reinforcing their long-standing partnership while exploring new collaborative opportunities in governance, peace, and security across Africa.
Addressing Africa’s Pressing Security Challenges
Led by Amb. Dr. Mohamed Kadah, COMESA’s Assistant Secretary General for Programmes, and Dr. Vasu Gounden, ACCORD’s Founder and Executive Director, the high-level meeting focused on tackling Africa’s complex security landscape. Key concerns included political instability, cross-border conflicts, violent extremism, and climate-related security threats.
In his opening remarks, Amb. Kadah stressed the critical link between peace and sustainable development, noting that despite Africa’s vast potential, persistent security challenges demand stronger regional cooperation and strategic alliances.
“We continue to face multifaceted challenges—from political instability and cross-border conflicts to emerging threats like violent extremism and climate-induced insecurity. Addressing these requires not just regional cooperation but strategic partnerships with institutions like ACCORD,” emphasized Dr. Kadah.
Strengthening Collaborative Frameworks
Dr. Gounden echoed these concerns, highlighting the urgency of consolidating past achievements while enhancing future collaborations to combat poverty, unemployment, and inequality—key drivers of instability.
“With our expertise and deep understanding of Africa’s peace and security architecture, this partnership is poised to deliver meaningful results,” Dr. Gounden stated.
Key Areas of Enhanced Cooperation
The consultations resulted in concrete agreements to deepen collaboration across several critical areas:
- Conflict Prevention and Early Warning Systems
- Mediation Support and Peacebuilding
- Democracy and Governance Initiatives
- Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development
- Climate Change and Security Linkages
- Women, Youth, and Peace Security Programs
- Research, Knowledge Sharing, and Joint Resource Mobilization
A Unified Commitment to Africa’s Future
Both organizations reaffirmed their dedication to fostering peace, stability, and sustainable development across the continent. The strengthened partnership underscores a shared vision for a more secure and prosperous Africa through coordinated action and innovative solutions.
Source: COMESA Official Website